Gaia House Hostel

I wouldn't recommend staying here. Most of the staff were pretty rude, and service was so bad I'd give it -5 if I could. The so-called breakfast was basically bread and jam. If you asked nicely, they'd fry you ONE egg. There was a broken window above the main entrance, so the temperature inside seemed to match whatever it was outside. I was there in winter, there was no heat, and it was FREEZING. I slept in my base, midlayer, and outer layer under the covers to keep warm. I've camped in a Canadian winter and was warmer in my tent. They seemed to look for any extra reason to charge you. A small amount of period blood on a sheet meant an extra charge. So did getting a little puke on one while sick, or using the ONLY TOWEL they provide for anything besides your body. When I arrived, there was an obvious blood stain on my sheets. I showed it to the desk staff, but he said they were clean and wouldn't give me fresh ones. I guess they forgot to charge the previous guest extra. I had to use those sheets for my entire stay. Half the time there was nobody at the desk, so hopefully you don't need anything. One evening there was no water anywhere in the hostel: no flushing toilets and no way to wash hands or dishes. I messaged them on WhatsApp since nobody was at reception, and never got a reply. The water was back in the morning, but they hadn't put up any notice explaining the problem. The hostel isn't very close to the main plaza and it's up a lot of stairs. If anyone in your group has mobility issues, this is a hard no. Honestly, even if everyone is able-bodied, I'd still say no.

I loved the peaceful, open-air common areas full of plants, and the kitchen was useful for making simple meals. We stayed about a week in a private room with a bathroom. The location was ideal, close to restaurants, markets, and a coffee shop. Miriam and Carlos are the kindest people and helped us with whatever we needed. The bed was very comfortable and the water warm. I'd recommend this hostel to everyone I know, and can't wait to visit them and Cusco again. Thank you Carlos and Miriam por todo!

The staff were lovely and the place had great vibes. Rooms and bathrooms were comfortable, and it's right in the historic center. Breakfast is included, as is luggage storage, and the 24-hour reception came in handy for early tours around Cusco. I'd absolutely recommend it.

This was our best value for money anywhere on an eight-month trip, and it's a great place to stay before or after trips out of cusco. It was tranquil, very clean, and the beds were comfy, with powerful hot showers, luggage storage, and a good breakfast. The man who works here is very kind and works hard. I slept better here than anywhere else on my travels. Big recommendation from us. Thank you Gaia house!